Film

A River Runs Through It - Louisiana's Sweet Spot

About Us

Ascension Parish is centrally located in Louisiana’s Sweet Spot, right off of I-10 between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 61 serves as its major thoroughfares through the parish. Ascension is made up of two cities and one town: The City of Gonzales, The City of Donaldsonville, and the Town of Sorrento. With an overall population of 126,604 and growing, covers approximately 300 square miles that extends on both sides of the Mississippi River. There are also 39 unincorporated communities and two census designated areas.

Ascension Parish has been the backdrop of numerous films for over 50 years because of its diverse scenes and easy access to highway, rail and waterways. Ascension offers producers rural, industrial, retail, and historic settings that are minutes from Interstate 10. This makes it the ideal setting for entire productions or shoots near Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Ascension Parish has museums, plantations, gardens, shopping, and dining from casual to exquisite, and over 1,900 hotel rooms, bed & breakfast and RV.

To view film location options in Ascension Parish and the surrounding areas please click here.

 

Incentives

Since 2006, our state has hosted more than 300 film and television productions — major and indie features, TV series, documentaries, and more. In fact, only California and New York currently turn out more film and TV projects than the Bayou State. It all starts with the best incentives in the business.

The 2015 Legislative Session produced several bills that impacted the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentive Program. We are committed to providing the most current information regarding the tax credit program.

Click here for more information on incentives for shooting in the Ascension Parish.

 

Production Resources

Along with Louisiana’s highly successful entertainment tax incentive package, Ascension is prepared to accommodate your entertainment production needs with: 23 Hotels, 6 Bed & Breakfast, Over 85 restaurants and eateries, Louisiana Regional Airport, and Lamar Dixon Expo Center - a multi-purpose facility with two climate-controlled facilities (25,000 sq. ft and 65,000 sq ft.), covered pavilions, arenas, gym, large RV park and ponds.

 

Temperature and Climate

The scenic beauty of the area provides an exciting backdrop for any production, and our mild climate allows for year-round shooting.

Average Annual Rainfall (inches)

Average Annual High Temperature

Average Annual Low  Temperature

 

Film Application

In order for you or your organization to film in Ascension Parish, please complete the Film Permit Application and a Certificate of Insurance and email them to info@lasweetspot.com

Insurance

In order for you or your organization to film in Ascension Parish, you must complete the Film Permit Application and a Certificate of Insurance, which includes:

  • The name and address of the insured person or production company.
  • That the policy provides Commercial General Liability in the amount of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) [usually listed as 1,000 thousands] in US currency or its equivalent per occurrence with a $1,000,000 aggregate, or as may be required by the individual political subdivision(s).
  • An additional insured endorsement that reads, as appropriate, the Parish of Ascension, and/or the City of Donaldsonville, and/or the City of Gonzales, and/or the Town of Sorrento government, its officials and employees.
  • The name of the insurance company and of the broker, with the broker’s phone number.
  • The policy number.
  • The dates for which the policy is in effect, including both the start and expiration dates. That the policy may not be modified or cancelled without seven days prior written notification to the effected political subdivision(s).

*The form and proof of insurance must be submitted 30 days prior to start date.

Fees and Permits

There are NO state fees or permits required for filming in Louisiana. Location fees for use of state property are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Road Closures

Decisions on road closures are made by the local jurisdictions. For road closures, please contact us for more information.

Special Effects

The State Police, State Fire Marshal, and local fire departments must be consulted before any explosions, other pyrotechnics, or fireworks may take place. The need for standby fire equipment and personnel is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information.

 

Here are some links you may find helpful

We are continuously working to provide more detailed information to our site. If there is any information you are unable to find, please feel free to contact us with questions you may have.

Ascension Parish

Past Filming in Ascension